SSI install with heater backdate-experts chime in

[jwt73]

I just finished my 87' targa SSI installation and heater backdate with parts from Partsheaven. I thought it was possible to install the AC back when I had finished the heater backdate on both sides, but no way, the AC compressor bracket would not fit, and I was wondering if there was a way to do it, other than just using the left sided backdate and splicing it over to the passenger side under the engine tin? Just curious because I couldn't make it fit, and I am sure that someone has tried and made it fit.
Any help advice would be appreciated, as I have already finished the job.
Jonathan

[unclebilly]

I'm not sure how relevant this is but I'm positive Jack is running AC on BB2. His car has the 3.6 but would have the older style (1972) heating system - see if you can find any pics of his setup.

[Jeff Alton]

It can be done, not sure why yours won't work. I have a customer with a 3.2 heater backdated and AC. Here is a pic from and SC I just pulled off another active thread......



Cheers

[jwt73]

Jeff, thanks for the pic, but I think that exactly shows the problem. The heater backdate is done on the left side, but the right side, under the compressor is void of the heater hose. The compressor mount won't allow the backdate part with the 2.5" hose to occupy the same space. Either I had to crush the backdate part/hose or the compressor wouldn't fit/mount to the engine. Appreciate the help and suggestions, but I don't think I have an answer yet.
jonathan

[felix_browne]

don't have this issue as i have no ac but what about modifying the engine tin so that the heater hose passes through a little further toward the front of the car? otherwise split the line underneath the tin before it goes into the exchanger. Although i would suspect that this option would significantly reduce the already diminished capacity of the heating system (likely by more than 1/2).

[vash]

notch the AC bracket?

[mb911]

Originally posted by jwt73
Jeff, thanks for the pic, but I think that exactly shows the problem. The heater backdate is done on the left side, but the right side, under the compressor is void of the heater hose. The compressor mount won't allow the backdate part with the 2.5" hose to occupy the same space. Either I had to crush the backdate part/hose or the compressor wouldn't fit/mount to the engine. Appreciate the help and suggestions, but I don't think I have an answer yet.
jonathan

SO IS IT AT THE VERY LEAST RUNNING YET?

[Kemo]

My SC is backdated...and I have AC with no problems. Maybe you could backdate the AC bracket?

[Jeff Alton]

I think my customer with the 3.2 and backdated heat runs the factory aluminum carrera bracket. I will check when I see his car next.

Cheers

[Mysterytrain]

The steel A/C compressor bracket that was used on the SC's allowed the long heater hose to snake its way under it. I'm not sure exactly how much room is under the later style Carrera aluminum brackets but it appears that you could fabricate a new block off plate to make it work.
I have a collection of A/C bracket pictures from Pelican that show the amount of room that is under the bracket. Check these out!





This one is labeled " A Performance Aire Bracket" so it might be something they sell...but it clearly shows the routing.



This last one shows the factory SC arrangement..an after
thought at best!

[Jadams1]

The engine bay of the SC is mine. The right side is backdated. The hose runs under the compressor mount platform. I do not have pics of the the right hand side at work.

[Scott R]

Thanks to the OP for this thread! I just ordered my backdate pieces from Partsheaven, and they sold me a new set of hoses as well. I have the Tbitz EFI kit and had to notch my heater hose to make the fuel rail fit, I was losing cooling on that side, so per the EFI kits suggestion I'm backdating. I don't drive in the winter so I'm more concerned with the lost colling versus the extra heat from the SC blower.